Tupolev Tu-95
The Tupolev Tu-95 (Russian: Туполев Ту-95; NATO reporting name: "Bear") is a large, four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and missile platform. First flown in 1952, the Tu-95 entered service with the Long-Range Aviation of the Soviet Air Forces in 1956 and was first used in combat in 2015. It is expected to serve the Russian Aerospace Forces until at least 2040.
| Tu-95 | |
|---|---|
| Tu-95MS Bear H RF-94130 off Scotland in 2014 | |
| Role | Strategic heavy bomber |
| National origin | Soviet Union |
| Manufacturer | Aviakor |
| Design group | Tupolev |
| First flight | 12 November 1952 |
| Introduction | 1956 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | Russian Aerospace Forces Soviet Air Forces (historical) Soviet Navy (historical) Ukrainian Air Force (historical) |
| Produced | 1952–1993 |
| Number built | >500 |
| Variants | Tupolev Tu-114 Tupolev Tu-142 Tupolev Tu-95LAL Tupolev Tu-116 |
A development of the bomber for maritime patrol is designated the Tu-142, while a passenger airliner derivative was called the Tu-114.
The aircraft has four Kuznetsov NK-12 engines with contra-rotating propellers. It is the only propeller-powered strategic bomber still in operational use today. The Tu-95 is one of the loudest military aircraft, particularly because the tips of the propeller blades move faster than the speed of sound. Its distinctive swept-back wings are set at an angle of 35°. The Tu-95 is the only propeller-driven aircraft with swept wings that has been built in large numbers.